About California Baptist University

Founded in 1950, California Baptist University. is a Private college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 6,937 full time undergraduate students, and 2,220 full time graduate students.

The California Baptist University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 303 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at California Baptist University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate63%
Application Deadline
Application Fee45
SAT Range850-1100
ACT Range19-24

Admissions at CBU are considered Selective, with ,106% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

77% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 45% were in the top quarter, and 15% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at California Baptist University.

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    194 Students rated on-campus housing 4.3 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    135 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    206 Students rated campus food 4.6 stars. 69 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    207 Students rated campus facilities 4.6 stars. 63 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    207 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 71 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    204 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    205 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    207 Students rated academics 4.4 stars. 54 % gave the school a 5.0.

California Baptist University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of California Baptist University?

137 Students rated California Baptist University

Eddie - 07/24/2024

California Baptist University (CBU) is a faith-based institution that is predicated on the Great Commision given to believers by Jesus before His ascension to Heaven. They are grounded in the traditions of the Southern Baptist Denomination but welcome all denominations of Christianity. Students and professors alike will show you that their intention is to model Jesus in every aspect of their lives so that others might experience His grace so they too can be a follower. It is not a weak faith that drives their campus, nor is it a stern helicopter parent, rather it is a spirit of honor and accountability which motivates students to strive for greatness in every area of their lives. Though a profession of faith is not required to attend, there is a place for everyone at CBU to call home. The student population is medium-sized compared to other universities, with about 10,000 students combined of undergraduates and graduates. It will be felt in Freshman year classes and anytime people are trying to find parking around noon, but will slowly die out towards Sophomore year of classes. The academics offered is rigorous but needed in today's pool of graduates entering the workforce. Student life is thriving with activities occurring every week, not to just take students' minds off of due dates and assignments, but to encourage each other to be persistent in their studies. Sports is nothing they are shy of, with all sports being D1 in the NCAA tournament, and if that is not desired they do offer recreational sports that still present friendly competition. The facilities and resources that are offered at CBU guarantee that students are not left behind. Whether that be free counseling for any situation life throws at you, free resources to aid students after graduation, excellent student success coaches to navigate courses schedules & the path towards graduation, or just professors offering office hours. Food is superior at CBU with their very own Chick-Fil-A on campus, the infamous coffee shop Wandas, the award-winning Alumni Dining Commons, and of course the personal Habit-grill. Whether students come for the sunny Southern California weather or a faith-based education, CBU is life changing both for the believer and unbeliever.

Hank - 07/22/2024

This school is immaculate and open-casual. It is in the middle of Riverside, not far from downtown, so there is stuff to do around the college. The college itself is very nice, and most of the buildings are pretty new. There is always new construction. The classes are a smaller size, meaning I can talk this my teachers more often with I really enjoy. It is very calming waling though campuses of a coo, day taking in the trees and the buildings. It had amazing food there and is not far form food outside of campus either.

Rio - 06/22/2024

California Baptist University is a great school to attend for a college education. Many successful alumni have graduated from this university. CalBaptist is one of the top schools in California. They accept those with a good GPA and desire a college education. It may be a Christian college after all it is a Baptist university, students are not required to be Christians or catholic to attend all are welcome.

Hanna - 12/29/2023

I have been recently accepted in to Cal Baptist University. I am enrolled for the Fall of 2024 in the Ed.D program. So far, my experience has been very pleasant. I have met with professors from the program on two occasions. My questions via Zoom, email and text have been answered in a timely manner. The admissions staff are very accommodating. I have attended a soccer game which was very exciting and fun. I am looking forward to starting my program in the Fall.

California Baptist University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at California Baptist University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for California Baptist University is 63%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I will tell myself as a high school senior that college is harder than high school. I will tell myself to obtain good habits so that when I go to college it will not be hard for me to do well. In high school it was easy to depend on my teachers. In high school we have to ask teachers permission and explain. In college it us up to us to attend and no one will ask me anything. I will also tell myself that I should put more effort to get a high GPA and complete many scholarships. If I do this in high school, when I am in college I will not have to worry about getting money to pay for my education. I should keep in my mind that I should put effort to do well so I do not put a financial burden on my parents.Overall I would tell myself not to slack off in high school because I am the only one who will struggle in college and dragg my parents with me when it comes to paying for college. Good students get more money, in high school that should be my goal.

    Read all 159 answers

  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A welcoming environment with a strong community among all students, lead by student leaders and faculty who invest and engage in students lives both academically, personally, and spiritually.

    Read all 34 answers

  4. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are intuitive, smart, and reaching for their best.

    Read all 34 answers

  5. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about CBU is the community feel about the campus. No matter who you are, everyone on campus is extremely friendly, wants to meet you and wants you to feel welcome! They also host the most amazing events for both residents and commuters to get involved in and to help you build friendships with one another. Oh and by the way, the food is pretty great too.

    Read all 34 answers

  6. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Anyone who is interested in higher learning especially from the Christian perspective.

    Read all 34 answers

  7. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst aspect of CBU would be the expensive tuition of 38 thousand dollars a year-about 18-19 thousand a semester. It has been diffficult to find money to attend CBU because two of their most commonly given scholarships are for pastor's kin and students who have a sibling attending the school at the same time as them. I am neither of these. I am not in a sport, choir, or drama either which are also very common ways of earning money.

    Read all 32 answers

  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish that I had known how much fun I was going to have while being taught. I also wish that I had known about all the wonderful relationships that I would make because it would have taken away my nervousness at being in an entirely new situation. CBU is amazing and the people are wonderful.

    Read all 29 answers

  9. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    My pride and joy about my school is the beauty of the campus, the constant opportunities they always provide for us, and of course the wonderful food considering it is reated one of the best in the country.

    Read all 29 answers

  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    non-conservatives

    Read all 25 answers

  11. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    My school is very mission oriented. I am given the oppurtunity to see different parts of the world every summer, while helping out those in need.

    Read all 21 answers

  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The theatre department is sadly very small. I would like to see some students with a desire to expand it!

    Read all 20 answers

  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    For making friends that will last over a lifetime.

    Read all 15 answers

  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I do appreciate this school. i like the environment and interaction between people. In offices there is no bureaucracy and services are offered timely and accurately. The admission is not very strict if you are an average student. People when I tell them that I got to CBU they are like amazed because it is private christian university that is respected in the inland empire, California. Recently they have been a problem of parking but the school is doing its best to solve it. Another problem is the tuition which is a little high but is worth it. For those people interested in studying liberal studies and christian studied or MBA but looking for Christian environment, I would recommend CBU. The school is not too small or too large, the size is OK. the longest distance student travel is from engineering building to the chapel which is 4 minutes on a bike. Something that I will always remember is the retreat of freshmen in the mountains. It was super cool.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

63%

female

37%

male

6,937

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,220

Total Grad Students

10%

Out-Of-State

87%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

42

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

45%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
5%
% Black or African-American
8%
% Hispanic/Latino
36%
% White or Caucasian
38%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

95% of students attending California Baptist University receive some sort of financial aid. 44% were awarded federal grants. While 74% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$31,372

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,790

Books and Supplies

$8,210

Room and Board

41,372

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$24,115
$30 - $48K
$26,575
$48 - $75K
$28,759
$75 - $110K
$31,932
$110K & UP
$35,263

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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